The 10 Commandments

Interior decorating tips to refresh your home in 2019! From decluttering to adding some statement artwork, consider these your home resolutions for the new year.

New year, new you! Or, should we say, new year, new home? Whether your home is in need of a refresh or a complete style overhaul, there’s no time like the beginning of a brand-new year to do so.

But where does one start when seeking to give their home a fresh new look? We asked Priscilla De Luca from Orbit Homes to share her top tips for those seeking to reinvigorate their homes for the year ahead.

1. CHOOSE A NEW THEME
Whether it is simply a core colour palette, or an actual style, try to pick your theme early on and stick to it. This will give you a basis to build upon. When choosing a colour palette try to select no more than 2-3 core colours. You can then utilise varying tones from there. An easy way to start visualising your scheme is to create a mood board. You can do this either digitally or the more traditional way of collecting images from magazines and paint swatches etc. Either way allows you to be creative!

2. INTRODUCE ARTWORK
When it comes to interiors, walls are often neglected. Find a piece of artwork you love and then you can build upon it from there. Whether it is a print, photograph or even a framed tapestry you can pull your colours and textures from the artwork. This will give your space a harmonious flow.

3. PAIRING PATTERNS
Don’t be afraid to pair different patterns and textures together. In fact, it’s encouraged! The trick is to ensure your prints and patterns complement each other. The easiest way to achieve this is to alternate your core colour palette. Ensure you combine a mixture of eye- catching prints with more subtle, or plain alternatives to create balance.

4. GO GREEN
Never underestimate the ability of an indoor plant or two when it comes to enlivening a space. Especially if your colour palette is quite neutral, a pop of green can add just the right complement to just about any room.

5. STYLE LIKE A PRO
When styling home décor, odd numbers generally work best. For instance, accessories arranged in groups of 3 or 5 on a side board, bedside table or table centrepiece. Also ensure you group items of different heights, textures and tones together to add visual interest.

6. BUY A STATEMENT FLOOR RUG
Rugs are not only a functional piece of decoration as they add comfort to almost any space, but they are also an important contributor to the aesthetic of a room. The right rug can really create a striking statement without being too permanent. When selecting a rug, ensure you consider the proportion to the size of the room.

7. GET YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT
Lighting is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to creating an inviting home. Floor and table lamps are an easy way to create a welcoming ambience, especially when styling hallways, living spaces and bedrooms.

8. INVEST IN BIG-TICKET ITEMS
It is best for key focal pieces to be of good quality, such as a couch or bedroom furniture, rather than overly trend-driven. Good quality, timeless pieces can be adapted to trends with soft furnishings such as pillows and throw rugs, as these can easily be replaced once tired of them. It’s more efficient to save money on occasional pieces and accessories, plus it’s also how homeowners can truly express their personality and turn a house into a home.

9. LESS IS MORE
Soft minimalism is growing in popularity for the way it blends simple, ergonomic features of minimalism with a liveable and warm style. Use the new year as an opportunity to declutter your home by removing unnecessary and outdated items, allowing the opportunity for a fresh space with new design points.

10. BRING SOME FUN TO THE BATHROOM
Bathrooms can often be a fairly neutral, nondescript space within the home, however, by adding lush towels with fun patterns or colours, a homeowner can inject their own personality into the space.